... Chad C. Pecknold, a theology professor at Catholic University who specializes in American politics and religion, said he thought Mr. Sanders was looking past the election and angling to start a foundation like the Clinton Global Initiative.

“It’s reasonable to assume that the Sanders campaign is aware that their chances of being the Democratic nominee are slim,” Dr. Pecknold said. “He is looking ahead to the future for what sort of influence he is going to have beyond the election, and he knows his signature issue is economic justice.” Going to a conference of world leaders held by the Vatican, he continued, could help Mr. Sanders establish a higher profile on a global scale. ...

Sanders is still hoping for an audience with Pope Francis on Vatican trip

Chad C. Pecknold, a theology professor at Catholic University who specializes in U.S. politics, said that the trip may also lay some groundwork for a larger — even international — role for Sanders after an election that is looking to be increasingly difficult for him to win.

“Let’s say that he is realistic and that his path to the nomination is extremely slim,” Pecknold said. “Then he must say, ‘Well, what is my role after this campaign?’ It seems clear that he is in a position now to highlight his new profile.”